Best Wine Tours Portugal 2024

Wine tours are one of the most essential activities I seek to have whenever I travel. Just by looking at the travel trends,  I could state that I’m not the only one. So let’s uncork the details of the best wine tours Portugal has to offer.

Douro Valley: A UNESCO World Heritage Beauty

The Douro Valley, famous for its terraced vineyards and scenic beauty, is a must-visit for any wine lover. The birthplace of Port wine, this region offers more than just fortified delights; it's also famous for red and white wines that reflect the area's unique terroir. 

If you start googling the best Douro Valley Wine Tours, you'll see that many people mention a river cruise to see the stunning landscapes from a different perspective or choose a guided tour through the vineyards to learn about the wine-making process from grape to glass. 

Last year, I had one wine tour, so I'll share some insights with you. Even though I thought I would organize a wine tour by myself (you can because there is a train route from Porto to  Pinhão), seeing comments that it's too complicated if you use public transport, I decided to take one of the wine tours from Get Your Guide. And it was amazing! 

It was a small group 9-hour tour starting with a pick up from the hotel, having two guided wine tastings (mainly Porto wine and some reds)  in two quintas (that's what Portuguese call their wine estates), three meal lunch course, boat tour with aperitif paired with port & tonic, and way back home.  Choosing such a tour definitely saved a lot of time, our guides were professionals who not only told many interesting stories but also showed jaw-dropping places.
P.S. The picture was taken somewhere on the road to Kopke quinta.

Exploring Vinho Verde 

Heading north from Porto, the Vinho Verde region awaits its refreshing, slightly fizzy wines that are perfect for those trying something different. This area stands out for its commitment to organic and eco-friendly winemaking. The real treat? You can join in on the grape picking during harvest season, giving you a hands-on taste of winemaking from start to finish. Tours often lead to small, family-run vineyards where you can feel the deep passion for winemaking. These experiences let you see up close the hard work and innovative methods used to keep the wines fresh and bubbly (tiny bitty bubbly). Plus, you'll explore historic sites and charming villages along the way, making your wine journey a rich blend of culture and taste.

Towns to visit: Amarante, Ave, Baião, Basto, Cávado, Lima, Monção e Melgaço, Paiva, and Sousa

NOTE: I met many people who said that they don't like wine, but after tasting vinho verde, they took back their words… 

Alentejo

Stretching across southern Portugal, Alentejo is a sprawling region known for its full-bodied reds, characterful whites, and ancient wine-making traditions. Visitors are greeted with the region's signature warmth, inviting them to savor the harmonious pairing of local wines with the hearty flavors of Alentejo cuisine. A must-try is the Alicante Bouschet, a grape variety that thrives under the Alentejo sun, producing deeply colored, velvety wines with complex aromas of dark fruits, spices, and sometimes a touch of chocolate or coffee, reflecting the terroir's unique character.

In addition to the Alicante Bouschet, the region is known for its aromatic and flavorful whites, including Antão Vaz, which offers notes of tropical fruits, citrus, and a minerality that makes it refreshing and balanced. This one is definitely a must-taste.

Exploring famous wineries like Herdade do Esporão and Adega Cartuxa can elevate your wine journey in Alentejo. Herdade do Esporão stands out for its commitment to sustainability and innovation, one of the best examples to learn organic practices and the winery's rich history, alongside tastings of their acclaimed wines. Adega Cartuxa, known for producing the iconic Pêra-Manca, offers a glimpse into the soul of Alentejo winemaking.

Towns to visit: Évora, Reguengos de Monsaraz, Beja, Borba and Estremoz. 

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Madeira

No guide to Portugal’s wine tours would be complete without mentioning the enchanting island of Madeira. Famous for its namesake fortified wine similar taste to porto, the island offers tours that delve into centuries-old winemaking practices, set against the backdrop of mesmerizing cliffs and lush landscapes.

The volcanic soil and unique winemaking method contribute to Madeira wine’s distinctive flavors and longevity. It's a type of wine that really stands out because of how it's made – they heat it up in a process that gives it an amazing taste and smell. Whether you like your wine dry or sweet, Madeira has something for everyone.

If you go for the dry kinds, you'll get this cool, tangy taste with a hint of nuts that lingers after you sip. Choose the sweet stuff, and it's like a cozy hug of caramel, toffee, and all things yummy. Plus, there's this zingy acidity that keeps everything in balance, making sure it's never too heavy. Talking about the aromas, the drier Madeira might remind you of roasted nuts and a bit of citrus, while the sweeter ones can take you to a place filled with dried fruits, vanilla, and even a whiff of coffee or chocolate. As a wine enthusiast, I can't get enough of it. That’s why it is to our list as one the best wine tours Portugal has to offer. 

I shortly covered four main wine regions in Portugal. From the rolling hills of Douro Valley to the ancient vineyards of Madeira, your Portuguese wine adventure awaits with open bottles and jazz on your palate. 

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